American Toxicology

Pass Your Hair Follicle Drug Test

2009-04-09T10:18:00.001-07:00

PassYourDrugTest.com claims that they can help you pass your hair follicle drug test. The following is an excerpt from their site:

"Want to know how to pass a hair drug test? While no method is full proof, the ability to pass a hair drug test is possible."

American Toxicology Inc. gladly welcomes any challenge on any product that claims to be able to mask your Hair Follicle drug testing kit.

If you really think your methods will work, send us a sample of your product!

595 East Brooks Ste #313
N. Las Vegas NV 89030

or email us any time!

Mouse Party | The Effects of Drugs on the Brain

2008-07-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

The University of Utah built this fun game to briefly show the effects that different drugs have on our brain.

Click here to play the mouse game!

They use a cartoon aquarium full of laboratory mice who are "high" on different drugs. You are the lab worker, and you get to pick up the mice and plop them into a testing mechanism. The mechanism then gives us an insight into the chemical reactions inside the "high" mouses brain. When you are through learning about the drugs effects, the mouse is dropped back into it's cage and you can grab another mouse.

Kind of childish, but it gives us a pretty good idea of what effects different drugs have on our neurological system.

Thanks University of Utah!

Drug Testing Policies

2008-07-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

American Toxicology offers services in assisting clients in writing their drug testing policies. It is not uncommon to review a policy and find it deficient in a number of areas. Some are so deficient that it is recommended that the whole policy be rewritten. Unfortunately, some clients have paid a considerable amount of money for their policies which were written by someone else and marketed to be tailored to their needs. An employer, not knowing where to go, can be easily convinced with legal jargon and marketing hype that it is their best interest to buy a policy from someone “who knows what they are doing”.

Well, this is the American way and I can’t be too critical toward someone seeing an opportunity. However, selling drug testing policies is a relatively new enterprise. Some laboratories have been assisting employers with drug testing since the days of the Nixon Administration when it all began. I cannot specifically speak for other laboratories, but American Toxicology is willing to assist clients in this area at no charge. It is in our best interest to have clients with good drug testing policies.

Basically, a good policy must have two competent components – the company and the laboratory. No matter how competent one of them may be, if the other one is not, the policy will fail to give protection from liability. Drug testing is a team effort between the company and the laboratory. Unfortunately, some employers are very loose on this philosophy, until they get themselves into litigation. Then things change rather rapidly.

I have seen policies, especially in the gaming industry, where the competency of one or both of these components are lacking to the point that the drug testing conducted only works if it does not go to court. The main motivation for an employer to knowingly have such a program is to reduce costs. These companies literally operate on the edge. To them, drug testing is viewed primarily as a public relations expense. There is little fear of legal reprisal.

American Toxicology’s motto is that we only do that which we will win in court. We have had to make some tough decisions concerning this position. However, we feel it is a worthy standard to hold.

Why a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may not be beneficial to the employer.

2008-06-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

By: Dan R. Berkabile

Nevada law requires any laboratory that tests human biological specimens to be regulated by the State as a medical laboratory. As such, the laboratory is required to report the results of its testing in a prescribed manner. For drug testing, the report must list the drugs screened for and their cutoff levels. Drugs reported positive or negative must refer to this list on the report. If the prescribed medication accounts for a drug reported positive, it can be noted on the report as, “the drug identified is consistent with prescribed medication, or language similar to this. Additional information may be given.

MRO’s are mandatory in federal drug testing. They are optional in private drug testing. I suppose private employers pay the additional const for a MRO thinking it will reduce their liability, not believing that following state guidelines is as sage. However, it must be remembered that the State is regulating their testing anyway.

In using the MRO, if an applicant was taking prescribed medication equal to a positive finding, the MRO would report the results to the employer as negative. The applicant would be hired without any knowledge to the employer about the prescription. The employer would have to depend entirely upon the applicant to reveal any possible interference the prescription medication may have on job performance and safety.

However, without the MRO, the laboratory report goes directly to the employer and none of this would be a concern. The notation on the report already shows that the laboratory conducted a medical review under its laboratory director a pathologist. The report would also be received sooner by the employer.

It is true that prescription medications are confidential. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) stresses this. However, I believe the intent of ADA is not directed so much toward abused drugs typical in pre-employment drug screening. If a person has a prescription for one of the abused drugs, I believe the employer should know about it. The possibilities are codeine, amphetamine, methamphetamine (speed), morphine (metabolite of heroin), and more recently, marijuana. (A good question would be: would a MRO exclude a positive finding for marijuana if the person showed that a doctor prescribed it?)

In the latest Nevada legislative session, a representative of a large labor union testified before a senate subcommittee concerning the passage of a proposed drug testing bill. I was presenting during this meeting. The following is a word by word transcription from public records of the portion of this individual’s testimony concerning medical review officers:

“We believe that in using a lab such as (the lab was named), thy have qualified people on staff including medical officer (I believe the meaning here is medical doctor or pathologist), and when we get the test results back from the lab, they have done their primary test, they have done their confirming test, they have looked at that, and any test that we have ever had challenged by an employee, and they have that option to challenge a test, not to retest, but to challenge it, have always come back in the positive. My concern would be if we were to interpret that MRO must be used one hundred percent of the time, we’re going to add an expense for that MRO testing. As an example, in one case lab charges an addition al $6.00 to have every test result review by an MRO. Additionally, if it’s post testing, now we’re adding time on that we’re going to have somebody out of a job until we get the test results back. Whatever that time may be, hours or days, it’s additional exposure to injury.” (The last sentence refers to a person remaining on the job.) The individual further mentioned the delay that MRO review brings about in hiring new workers.

In Nevada, a laboratory that performs drug testing must be licensed as a clinical laboratory. As such, the laboratory is directed by a licensed pathologist who is responsible for all results reported by the laboratory. Under these regulations another doctor in the system going over results is not necessary, and is only a waste of time and money, as the labor representative above explained.

Dan R. Berkabile

Forensic Chemist

Failing a drug test.

2008-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not we have quite a few people who come into our collection sites un-prepared to give a good sample. Stumbled across this cartoon and thought it was funny.

People come in with fake urine, in liquid or powder form. We catch them all weather it's at the collection site or the lab. At the collection site we measure the temperature of the urine immediately after the sample is given (no flushing or washing hands until after the sample is triple checked for patient validity). If somehow the sample "passes" by us at the collection site as real... Our qualified laboratory technitians love to catch the fake samples. Before conducting the tests they can typically tell weather the samples are false or valid. Certain things that tip them off are color and smell. So if don't even think about trying to give a false sample to American Toxicology, cause we'll catch it.

Certifications and Accreditations

2008-06-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

State of Nevada Licensed Laboratory Director, Gary Telgenhoff, M.S., D.O., is a board certified forensic and anatomical pathologist who serves as ATI’s Lab director. Additionally, ATI holds the following licenses, and permits:

State of Nevada Licensed Laboratory
Nevada State Corporation
City of North Las Vegas Business License
City of Las Vegas Business License
City of Reno Business License
Arizona State Corporation
City of Bullhead Business License

Services Offered

2008-06-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Pre-employment Screening
American Toxicology offers a variety of tests & Panels for applicant screening. We can customize your testing & billing arrangements to best suit your needs.

Results
Results are delivered using a secure method designed to protect both the client and the laboratory. At the option of the client, results may be received by telephone, fax, mail, email, or delivery by courier under this design.

On-site training
American Toxicology offers free training for managers & supervisors designed for early identification of potential employee drug involvement. The training focuses on recognition of symptoms of drug use & detection when use or the effects of use is occurring on the job. Included in this is the right way to determine probable cause. The intent of the training is to provide management with a likely & reassuring drug free work environment.

Post Accident/Probable Casue Testing
American Toxicology can collect or receive a test sample on-site, at a hospital emergency room or urgent care clinic, or employees can be sent or brought directly to American Toxicology for collection. Samples for drug/alcohol testing include urine, blood, breath or saliva. All testing is performed at American Toxicology, in-house.

Random Testing
Random testing is available at any time with our Random Sampling Program. Collections can be obtained at the employer’s site or at any one of our collection facilities.

Mission Statement

2008-06-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

We're dedicated to the reliability of our services, and the integrity of our clients and community. We establish and maintain confidentiality in caring for those indivduals who entrust us with their careers and families.

Services Offered

2008-06-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

A list of drug tests we offer to our local Las Vegas clients, click on the image to see a larger version.

The Only Drug Testing Laboratory In Las Vegas, Nevada

2008-06-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

For over 25 years American Toxicology has been specializing in Employee and Forensic drug testing.

As far as laboratories fully dedicated to drug testing goes, we've been the only lab in Nevada that is soley dedicated to drug testing.

Quest Diagnostics once had a drug testing laboratory here in Las Vegas, but have moved it out to of state to California. Which means that all of the drug testing samples taken here in Las Vegas at any of the Quest locations will be be sent out of state to conduct the actual specimen testing. We honor Quest for their quality qork and the many collection locatioins they have within the Las Vegas area.

However when it comes to turn around time here in Las Vegas... we have the fastest lab results in the area, as any local laboratory should. With our online reporting, our clients can receive their results within 2-6 hours!

It's only been within the last four months that we have started branching out to other collection sites, offering them our drug testing laboratory services. Several local Las Vegas business owners have taken advantage of our laboratory services.

We have also been testing hair for a number of "out of state" collection sites. We have people sending us their hair for testing from:

California

Oregon

New Mexico

Texas

Oklahoma

Missouri

Arkansas

Kansas

Georgia

Wyoming

Utah

Idaho

Montana

Colorado

And the list keeps growing every week.

If you would like more information about our drug testing laboratory services call (702) 452-4999 and ask for Ben or Beau. Or e-mail ben@atilab.com

American Toxicology Mapped Locations

2008-06-26T06:50:00.001-07:00

For Maps and directions to American Toxicology collection sites click on the links below.

North Side

South Side

East Side

Bullhead City

Reno

Hair Testing and Urine Testing

2008-06-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Urine has always been an effective method of drug testing. However the test typically only reaches as far back as 9 to 10 days. On the other hand, Hair Testing can detect past months of usage.

The results below are based on companies of varying sizes and show the difference in the testing of urine and hair. American Toxicology believes that the best fingerprint of drug use is obtained by testing both hair and urine. The following illustrates the comparisons between hair and urine testing of four of our clients.

Company 1: # of total tests: 10,558

Drug……………….Pos/Urine…………..Pos/Hair
Amphetamines…………29…………………….158
Cocaine………………...256…………………...730
Heroin………………….0………………………...0
PCP…………………….1………………………...2

Company 2: # of total tests: 3,953

Drug……………….Pos/Urine…………..Pos/Hair
Amphetamines…………12………………………50
Cocaine………………...11…………………........28
Heroin………………….1…………………….…...1
PCP…………………….0………………………....0

Company 3: # of total tests: 209

Drug……………….Pos/Urine…………..Pos/Hair
Amphetamines…………0………………………....3
Cocaine………………...1…………………............7
Heroin………………….0…………………….…...1
PCP…………………….0………………………....0

Company 4: # of total tests: 52

Drug……………….Pos/Urine…………..Pos/Hair
Amphetamines…………0…………………………1
Cocaine………………...1…………………............3
Heroin………………….0………………………....0
PCP…………………….0………………………....0

Results indicate that hair and urine testing is far superior tot urine testing alone in identifying drug users attempting to become employed. Over 2/3 of the applicants testing positive by hair would have passed the urine test and became part of the employee population. Marijuana is not shown in this example because it is best detected in the urine.

Because it takes approximately a week for ingested drugs to show up in hair above the scalp, American Toxicology strongly suggests using both urine & hair testing for a complete history of drug usage to help maintain a drug-free work environment. Studies continue to show that marijuana (THC) is best detected in urine. THC is a fat soluble drug that stays in the body much longer than any of the hard drugs. As a result, the body will shed THC for weeks or even months. Once again, for optimal results American Toxicology strongly recommends a Hair & Urine test for all clients.

Drug testing methodologies

2008-05-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

He is some information from Wikipedia about drug testing methodologies.

The different types of drug tests are tested in very similar ways. Before testing the sample, the tamper-evident seal is checked for integrity. If it appears to have been tampered with or was damaged in transit, the laboratory rejects the sample and does not test it.

One of the first steps for all drug tests is to make the sample testable. Urine and oral fluid can be used "as is" for some tests, but other tests require the drugs to be extracted from urine beforehand. Strands of hair, patches, and blood must be prepared before testing. Hair is washed in order to eliminate second-hand sources of drugs on the surface of the hair, then the keratin is broken down using enzymes. Blood plasma may need to be separated by centrifuge from blood cells prior to testing. Sweat patches are opened up and the sweat collection component is soaked in a solvent to dissolve any drugs present.

Laboratory-based drug testing is done in a two-tiered fashion using two different types of detection methods. The first is known as the screening test, and this is applied to all samples that go through the laboratory. The second, known as the confirmation test, is only applied to samples that test positive during the screening test. Screening tests are usually done by immunoassay (EMIT, ELISA, and RIA are the most common). A "dipstick" drug testing method which could at some future time provide screening test capabilities to field investigators has been developed at the University of Illinois.^[3] Screening tests are typically less sensitive and more prone to false positives and false negatives than the confirmation test.

After a suspected positive sample is detected during screening, the sample is flagged and tested using the confirmation test. Samples that are negative on the screening test are discarded and reported as negative. The confirmation test in most laboratories (and all SAMHSA certified labs) is performed using mass spectrometry, and is extremely precise but also fairly expensive to run. False positive samples from the screening test will be negative on the confirmation test. Samples testing positive during both screening and confirmation tests are reported as positive to the entity that ordered the test. Most laboratories save positive samples for some period of months or years in the event of a disputed result or lawsuit. For workplace drug testing, a positive result is generally not confirmed without a review by a Medical Review Officer that will normally interview the subject of the drug test.

Visit American Toxicology to see which methodologies we use.

Saliva drug screen / Oral fluid-based drug screen

2008-05-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Saliva / oral fluid-based drug tests can generally detect use during the previous few days. Saliva or oral fluid based drug tests are becoming more prevalent because of their convenience and the fact that they can not be adulterated. Furthermore, on-site oral based tests in particular enable the implementation of random testing programs, proven to be the most effective type of drug screening. Oral fluid based tests are as accurate as urine and can be obtained from suppliers in the United States. Testing is usually performed by employers, for either pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, or return-to-duty testing. Oral fluid based testing most closely mimics results found with blood and is preferable for detecting on-the-job drug use or in post-accident applications in this case because the degree of intoxication can be approximated based on the amount of substance.

Detection in saliva tests begins immediately upon use:

Marijuana and hashish (THC): An hour after ingestion, and up to 24 hours depending on use.
Cocaine (including crack): From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days.
Opiates: From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days
Methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA, "crank," "ice"): From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days.
Benzodiazepines: From time of ingestion up to 2 to 3 days

This helpful information was provided by Wikipedia.

For all saliva testing American Toxicology is partnered with Isaac Farrel who runs Lab Express another business in Las Vegas who handles a large portion of the cities swab testing.

Hair alcohol testing

2008-05-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

As the hair grows, it absorbs special markers called fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG) into its structure, which remain in the hair indefinitely. These markers are only produced when there is alcohol in the bloodstream, such that the more markers there are, the more alcohol you have consumed.

Tests detecting both FAEE and EtG levels have been used by UK courts.

Trimega Laboratories were the first company to commercialise FAEE testing in UK courts.^{[citation needed]} Tricho-Tech were the first company to commercialise EtG testing in UK courts.^{[citation needed]}

Analysis of hair samples has many advantages as a preliminary screening method for the presence of toxic substances deleterious to health after exposures in air, dust, sediment, soil and water, food and toxics in the environment. The advantages of hair analysis include the non-invasiveness, low cost and the ability to measure a large number of, potentially interacting, toxic and biologically essential elements. Hence, head hair analysis is now increasingly being used as a preliminary test to see whether individuals have absorbed poisons linked to behavioral health problems.[2]

The use of hair alcohol analysis to establish and verify persistent alcohol abusers within the United Kingdom has steadily increased in recent years.

In contrast to other drugs consumed, alcohol is not deposited directly in the hair. For this reason the investigation procedure looks for direct products of ethanol metabolism. The main part of alcohol is oxidized in the human body. This means it is released as water and carbon dioxide. One part of the alcohol reacts with fatty acids to produce esters. The sum of the concentrations of four of these fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs: ethyl myristate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl oleate and ethyl stearate) are used as indicators of the alcohol consumption. The amounts found in hair are measured in nanograms (one nanogram equals only one billionth of a gram), however with the benefit of modern technology, it is possible to detect such small amounts.

However there is one major difference between most drugs and alcohol metabolites (FAEE) in the way in which they enter into the hair: on the one hand like other drugs FAEEs enter into the hair via the keratinocytes, the cells responsible for hair growth. These cells form the hair in the root and then grow through the skin surface taking any substances with them. On the other hand the sebaceous glands produce FAEEs in the scalp and these migrate together with the sebum along the hair shaft (Auwärter et al., 2001, Pragst et al., 2004). So these glands lubricate not only the part of the hair that is just growing at 0.3 millimeters per day on the skin surface, but also the more mature hair growth, providing it with a protective layer of fat.

FAEEs (nanogram = one billionth of a gram) appear in hair in almost one order of magnitude higher than (the relevant order of magnitude of) Etg (picogram = one trillionth of a gram). It has been technically possible to measure FAEEs since 1993, whereas the technique for measuring (the relevant range of) Etg is still in its infancy.

In practice, most hair which is sent for analysis has been cosmetically treated in some way (bleached, permed etc.). It has been proven that FAEEs are (surprisingly) not significantly affected by such treatments (Hartwig et al., 2003a). So far no systematic investigations in this regard have been carried out for Etg

FAEE concentrations in hair from other body sites can be interpretated in a similar fashion as scalp hair (Hartwig et al., 2003b). Etg: no information available.

Extensive studies involving over 1000 donors have been carried out since 2000. These have enabled us to establish reliable reference ranges for FAEEs with respect to drinking habits of the various groups: non-drinkers <> 1ng/mg

There are no reliable reference ranges for Etg from comprehensive studies. Further investigations are in progress to examine the applicability of the method in practice of the detection of alcohol abuse.

Literature Pragst F., Balikova M.A.: State of the art in hair analysis for detection of drugs and alcohol abuse; Clinica Chimic Acta 370 2006 17-49.

Auwärter V.: Fettsäureethylester als Marker exzessiven Alkoholkonsums – Analytische Bestimmung im Haar und in Hautoberflächenlipiden mittels Headspace-Festphasenmikroextraktion und Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie. Dissertation Humboldt-Universität Berlin 2006.

Pragst F., Auwärter V., Kiessling B., Dyes C.: Wipe-test and patch-test ror alcohol misuse based on the concentration ratio of fatty acid ethyl esters and squalen CFAEE/CSQ in skin surface lipids. Forensic Sci Int 2004; 143:77-86.

This helpful information was provided by Wikipedia.

Which method of drug testing is the best?

2008-05-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Detection periods

The following chart from LabCorp gives approximate detection periods for each substance by test type.^[1] The ranges depend on amount and frequency of use, metabolic rate, body mass, age, overall health, and urine pH. For ease of use, the detection times of metabolites have been incorporated into each parent drug. For example, heroin and cocaine can only be detected for a few hours after use, but their metabolites can be detected for several days in urine. In this type of situation, we will report the (longer) detection times of the metabolites.

NOTE 1: Oral fluid or saliva testing results for the most part mimic that of blood. The only exception is THC. Oral fluid will likely detect THC from ingestion up to a maximum period of 18-24 hours
NOTE 2: Urine can not detect current drug use. It takes approximately 6–8 hours or more post-consumption for drug to be metabolized and excreted in urine. Similarly, hair requires two weeks, and sweat, seven days.

Approximate values for detection periods
Substance	Urine	Hair	Blood
Alcohol	3–5 days via ethyl gluconoride (EtG) metabolite or 10–12 hours via traditional method	lifetime of hair	12 hours
Amphetamines (except meth)	1 to 2 days	up to 90 days	12 hours
Methamphetamine	2 to 4 days	up to 90 days	24 hours
Barbiturates (except phenobarbital)	2 to 3 days	up to 90 days	1 to 2 days
Phenobarbital	7 to 14 days	up to 90 days	4 to 7 days
Benzodiazepines	Therapeutic use: 3 days. Chronic use (over one year): 4 to 6 weeks	up to 90 days	6 to 48 hours
Cannabis	Light use: 2-7 days Prolonged use: 1-3 months	up to 90 days	12 days
Cocaine	3 to 300 days with exceptions for certain kidney disorders	up to 90 days	24 hours
Codeine	1 day	up to 30 days	12 hours
Cotinine (a break-down product of nicotine)	2 to 4 days	up to 90 days	2 to 4 days
Morphine	2 days	up to 90 days	6 hours
Heroin	2 days (single use) 2-5 (chronic)	up to 90 days	6 hours
LSD	2 to 24 hours	up to 3 days	0 to 3 hours
Methadone	3 days	up to 30 days	24 hours
PCP	14 days; up to 30 days in chronic users	up to 90 days	24 hours

This helpful information was provided by wikipedia.

Obviously the drugs remain longer in the hair follicle than they do any where else. American Toxicology recommends that both hair and urine drug testing be used for optimal results.

Sweat drug screen

2008-05-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Although the sweat test is pretty cool, American Toxicology does not provide them. Here is some helpful information about the sweat drug test from wikipedia.

Sweat tests are patches attached to the skin to collect sweat over a long period of time (10–14 days). These are almost exclusively used by child protective services, parole departments, and other government institutions concerned with drug use over long periods, when urine testing is not practical. The patches have security features that keep them from being covertly removed and then reapplied without the knowledge of the testing agency. At the end of the test period, the patch is removed by a social worker or parole officer and sent to a lab for analysis. If the person has used any drugs during the period that the patch was in place, they will test positive for that drug. This type of testing has fallen out of favor with government agencies due to documented problems with certain drugs^[2].
This information was provided by wikipedia.

Sampling for Hair Follicle Drug Testing

2008-05-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

How to effectivly collect a hair sample for drug testing according to American Toxicology Laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Visit the official American Toxicology Website

The patient in this exmple is a worker in our laboratory.

A BRIEF COMMENTARY ON URINE DRUG TESTING

2008-04-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Laboratories may be involved with testing biological samples for the presence of drugs for the diagnosis and monitoring of the overdosed patient (clinical testing) and for workplace drug testing (forensic testing). Even though the purpose of such testing is very different, the same methods are often used for both because the ability and ease of performance of immunoassays on automated instruments.

In the emergency department, physicians initially treat the signs and symptoms of the overdosed patient and rely on the laboratory drug testing results to confirm the diagnosis and to possibly monitor treatment. The National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB) practice guidelines for the use of laboratory tests to support poisoned patients recommends that the clinical laboratory provide two tiers of drug testing: a first tier of qualitative and quantitative tests available on a stat basis to support evaluation of acute toxicity for specific toxins for which an antidote or specific therapy is available, and a second tier (turnaround time of 24 hours or less) of more comprehensive testing of patients with continuing medical problems from exposure to other drugs and chemicals.

The 1888 Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace drug Testing Programs and subsequent revisions mandate scientific and technical procedures for the drug testing process, including: collection, Transportation of specimens, testing procedures incorporating quality control, method evaluation, results reporting, and standards for laboratory accreditation by the National Laboratory Certification Program (NLVP). Although private-sector industries are not required to follow the guidelines develop for the federal program, many choose to do so.

Currently, urine is the specimen of choice for both clinical and workplace drug testing with certain exceptions (i.e., ethanol testing under DOT which breath, blood, or saliva matrices are acceptable). Urine offers the advantages of non-invasive collection and a relatively easy, cost-effective proven technology. Guidelines mandate a controlled collection and use of standardized Custody and Control Forms as the specimen requisition, chain of custody, and official report form.

A laboratory may only test for certain drugs (the “NIDA 5”) at specified cutoff levels for the federal workplace drug testing. Testing for other drugs (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, propoxyphene, methaqualone, etc.) and at other cutoff concentrations may occour fro non-regulated. State regulated, and clinical samples. Federal regulated tesging mandates initial screening by an immunoassay method and subsequednt conformation of all screening- positibve samples by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). Clinical and non-regulated testing may utilize any combination of methods available.

Test Interpetation

Testing for amphetamines in regulated samples includes testing for only amphetamine and methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is metabolized to amphetamine, and a positive methamphetamine specimen must contain amphetamine at a concentration greater than 200 ng/mL, in addition methamphetamine at a concentration of greater than 500 ng/mL cutoff. Several prescription medications (Adderal®, Dexdrine®, Didrex®, Eldepryl®, etc.) Contain either amphetamine or methamphetamine or compounds that are metabolized to theses substances. For clinical and non-regulated testing, the detection of other amphetamine family substances, such as MDMA (Ecstasy) may be requests. The ability of the ability of the laboratory to detect such compounds is dependent on the specificity of the antibody and the type of immunoassay used for screening.

Screening immunoassays for cannabinoids detect multiple metabolites for marijuana with a cutoff

Concentration of 50 ng/mL used for regulated drug testing. GCMS conformation identifies and quantities the major metabolite, 11-non-tetrahydrocannabinol-9carboxylic acid (delta-9 THca). Using a cutoff of 15 ng/mL. chronic marijuana users may produce positive results for longer periods of time than acute users (up to several weeks) because of accumulation of cannabinoid metabolites in fatty tissues followed by slow release. Studies have shown that it is highly unlikely that a nonsmoking individual could inhale sufficient smoke by passive inhalation to result in a positive result when using a screening cutoff of 50 ng/mL. Immunoassays with cutoffs of 20ng/mL and 100 ng/mL are available for non-regulated and clinical testing, although NACB guidelines recommended that there is no clinical reason for routine cannabinoids testing in the over closed patient.

Cocaine is rapidly metabolized, and the major metabolite, benzoylecgonine, is the primary compound measured by cocaine (metabolite) immunoassays. There are no cocaine-containing prescription medications, but cocaine solutions are sometimes used as a topical anesthetic for various ear, nose, throat, bronchoscopic, and ophthalmologic procedures.

2008-03-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

American Toxicology is proud of what we have to offer our clients. Below is just a few of these things:

Locally owned and operated

Minority owned

25 years of service

In by ten out by four (At our Sunrise location)

Urine testing

Hair testing (we normally go back 90 days but can go back farther upon request)

24 hour turn-around time on negatives

48 hour turn-around time on positives

Job fairs at no extra charge

MRO Service at no extra charge

Expert witness service at no extra charge

Random drug testing program

Post accident/Probable cause testing

Complete confidentially

No hidden charges

Results faxed, called, mailed or delivered by courier

Licensed and certified by the State of Nevada

We are the only exclusive drug testing Laboratory in the State of Nevada. Our in office waiting time is very minimal

Drug Detection through Hair Testing

2007-06-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hair testing is considered accurate and can go back as far as 90 days.^{[citation needed]} As hair grows out, any drugs used are encased in the hair shaft, so the longer the hair, the more time back in the individual's drug history the laboratory can detect. Human hair grows an average of .5 inches/month, which corresponds to 30 days of possible drug testing for every .5 inch. Testing laboratories generally require 1.5 inches for testing. This means they can test for around 90 days of drug use. This time period depends upon the rate at which the individual's hair grows of course. Some people attempt to circumvent this through shaving their heads. This does not usually work. In the absence of the required amount of hair on the scalp, body hair can be used as an acceptable substitute. If all hair is shaven, the follicles of the hair may be used in place of the hair. Removing the hair follicles is more painful.

Additionally for pre-employment hair testing, the inability to obtain a sample may be grounds for not hiring the individual. Hair Testing labs are regulated by CLIA or SAMHSA (not FDA). There is a growing trend in major companies and law enforcement agencies to utilize hair analysis on account of its efficiency and reputation as the gold standard when considering test accuracy. This technology makes use of radioimmunoassay or the more modern ELISA technology with subsequent confirmation by mass spectrometry.

In recent years, hair testing has been the subject of a number of lawsuits. Studies have shown that different ethnic groups have different hair structure, potentially leading to false positives^{[citation needed]}. Shampoos are available to help you pass but you would have to shave your legs and body hair to make sure they take a sample from your head.

This helpful information about drug detection through the use of hair testing was provided by wikipedia.

American Toxicology is a full service drug testing laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are only a hand full of laboratories in the nation that have the abilities to accurately preform the hair test, and we are one of them!

Urine Drug Testing

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This procedure requires that one provide a sample of urine. Either a test card is used on site for immediate results (see "General" section), or the sample is sent away to a lab to undergo gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (also known as GCMS), high performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay analysis. The majority of tests administered in pre-hire and even most probate scenarios are of the immediate, and less accurate "at home" variety. Most "dip stick" type tests have higher thresholds for a positive than do the GCMS tests. If a positive result (drug presence indicated) is found, the sample is usually sent to a lab for GCMS confirmation. This is largely due to the costliness of GCMS labaratory testing and time it takes to process and receive results. The results of any urine test reflect factors including, but not limited to age, weight, race, and often these factors are what determines whether the test is valid or not.

The efficacy of urine testing is debatable due to systematic cheating. It is widely reported that sample substitution and adulteration occur frequently, and both are effective methods of avoiding would-be positive tests. There are a number of adulterant "masking" agents that are sold, though they are often nothing more than a simple diuretic and are rarely more effective than caffeine. Some people drink copious amounts of water to successfully dilute the concentration of drug metabolites in their urine below detectable thresholds. Often this results in clear samples that may be rejected on the grounds of being too dilute, although a complex B vitamin will make urine yellow despite this practice of waterloading. Specific gravity testing can be done to identify whether or not the sample is of dilute nature, though this is used infrequently on otherwise inconspicuous samples. The substance Niacin is also frequently used for its reported "flushing" effect, though this is also of disputable adeptness. Some types of urinalysis can detect the use of these "detox" products, though they are rarely used unless some facet of the sample is suspicious. Also, the wide availability of at home drug screens allows an individual to take their own test before they receive one, thus knowing the results ahead of time- giving the user further opportunity to dilute the sample or to find a substitute.

This helpful information was provided to us by Wikipedia.

American Toxicology is a full service drug testing laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are proud of our excellent service and our quality results. With our new online reporting we are able to provide results same day (for locals) within 2-6 hours!

Helpful Links on Drug Testing from Wikipedia

2007-01-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

Drug test

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This article does not cite any references or sources. (February 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

For the episode of the American television series The Office, see "Drug Testing".

A drug test is commonly a technical examination of urine, blood, semen, sweat, or oral fluid samples to determine the presence or absence of specified drugs or their metabolized traces.

[edit] External links

[edit] References

^ "Drugs of Abuse Reference Guide," LabCorp Inc, Retrieved online April 11, 2007.
^ Federal Court Drug-Testing Device Under Fire, PharmChem Sweat Patch May Be "Too Good" (2001-01-05).
^ Jim Barlow. "A Little Dab Will Do It", LASNews, University of Illinois, November 2006. Retrieved on 2006-11-29.
^ Drug testing in the workplace: Summary conclusions of the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work. Retrieved on 2008-01-17.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_test"

Reporting and Information Systems

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American Toxicology utilizes a modern IT system for its reporting and information systems. A server is housed at the Lab, and all information germane to the testing process is entered at the Lab Technician’s work station. The IT system is secure, and only a small number of American Toxicology employees are authorized, and have access to the information contained there. Our effectiveness is demonstrated by the successful transmittal of necessary information to its clients as currently provided. Additionally we are proud to announce, on June 1st, 2007 we will be initiating a new website with online requisitions and online reporting available to our clients at their own option. There is no additional charge for this service.

KNPR - Student Athlete Drug Testing

2006-07-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.knpr.org/audio2008/mp3/080701_drug-testing.mp3

American Toxicology

Pass Your Hair Follicle Drug Test

Mouse Party | The Effects of Drugs on the Brain

Drug Testing Policies

Why a Medical Review Officer (MRO) may not be beneficial to the employer.

Failing a drug test.

Certifications and Accreditations

Services Offered

Mission Statement

Services Offered

The Only Drug Testing Laboratory In Las Vegas, Nevada

American Toxicology Mapped Locations

Hair Testing and Urine Testing

Drug testing methodologies

Saliva drug screen / Oral fluid-based drug screen

Hair alcohol testing

Which method of drug testing is the best?

Detection periods

Sweat drug screen

Sampling for Hair Follicle Drug Testing

A BRIEF COMMENTARY ON URINE DRUG TESTING

Drug Detection through Hair Testing

Urine Drug Testing

Helpful Links on Drug Testing from Wikipedia

Drug test

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Contents

See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

Reporting and Information Systems

KNPR - Student Athlete Drug Testing